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Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

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Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
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Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

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Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
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Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

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Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
630
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

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Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
577
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

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Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
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ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

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Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

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Rate control in atrial fibrillation.

Isabelle C Van Gelder1, Michiel Rienstra1, Harry J G M Crijns2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.

Lancet (London, England)
|August 26, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Managing atrial fibrillation involves controlling heart rate, a key step for all patients. Treatment choices for heart rate control are individualized based on patient factors and available therapies.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) management necessitates effective heart rate control.
  • Rate control is a primary consideration for all AF patients, irrespective of rhythm control goals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale, patient selection, and available treatments for heart rate control in atrial fibrillation.
  • To provide guidance on drug selection and interventional strategies for AF rate control.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on atrial fibrillation management strategies.
  • Analysis of pharmacological and interventional options for heart rate control.

Main Results:

  • Heart rate control is crucial in AF management, with drug choices tailored to individual patient profiles.
  • Beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers are effective; digoxin has a limited role.
  • Atrioventricular node ablation is a last resort, with catheter ablation of AF being a preferred alternative.

Conclusions:

  • Individualized rate control is essential for atrial fibrillation patients.
  • Pharmacological options like beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers are first-line.
  • Interventional procedures should be considered judiciously, prioritizing AF ablation over AV node ablation.